Protecting the environment is a tough task and something we forget to do during our daily routine and busy schedule. It was great to see the Pope County Quorum Court exercise its power, and take a leadership role in protecting the environment locally.

The Quorum Court passed a resolution Thursday night to enforce litter laws. Picking up trash and recycling benefits our environment, keeps the landfill from experiencing an overfill, and the county saves money in many ways.

While the Justices of the Peace should be commended for their action, it is up to the residents of Pope County to keep the ball rolling. There are many things we can do as a community, not for the purpose of avoiding fines • just to be good citizens and help out.

When we see trash on the street, sidewalk, grass or anywhere else, we should remember to pick it up. Keeping a recycling bin in homes and businesses would also be to the environment's benefit. Getting involved in neighborhood cleanups would be a great way for individuals to exhange ideas on saving our environment.

We encourage everyone to partake in Pope County's fall cleanup that is set for 7 a.m. to noon Sept. 24 at the county complex on Weir Road.

Saving the environment in Pope County is not going to save our planet by itself. However, if we conserve our resources and space in the landfill, we could be an example to other areas around the nation. Conserving space in the landfill would save us money. New cells would have to be built less frequently, and we would be less likely to receive a fine or lose money if the landfill closed.

It takes one citizen at a time to treat the environment with care. In the end, every little bit helps, and everything adds up. For those who still do not know how to help, several organizations such as the local recycling centers, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) would have worthwhile suggestions.